A novel about growing up. It asserts the importance of living life on your own terms, and of competing for enjoyment rather than reward. It explores the complex love-hate relationship between a father and son.
JUGGLING WITH MANDARINS BY V M JONES
Told by Matt Whelan. Juggling with Mandarins by V (Vicky) M Jones (2003) tells the story of a pivotal time in the life of a young boy. 13 year old Pip feels he is being called on to fulfill sporting ambitions his father can no longer achieve. Pip’s older brother Nick takes after his macho dad while Pip is more like his more sensitive mother and his baby sister Madeline. He hates being shouted at from the soccer sidelines by his dad and feels he can never live up to his expectations. His dad has a big chip on his shoulder since an accident took him away from his work as a fireman and the subsequent failings of his milk delivery business. Pip is also struggling with his changing feelings for Katie, the girl next door. As well as learning to juggle mandarins, he learns how to juggle new feelings and relationships, and discovers he has a real talent for indoor rock climbing. In the end his father watches him climb and recognizes his son’s courage, not just in climbing. Engineer: Ian Gordon; Producer: Prue Langbein 2009
Pip's favourite teacher suggests the class all learn to juggle. His success-driven father is concerned 18-month-old Madeline hasn't started to walk yet.
Here is the Edmodo group code: g9pwsm
Chapter Breakdown
Week 1 (29 Feb. – 4 March) Pages 1 – 47 (47 pages)
Week 2 (7 – 11 March) Pages 48 – 90 (42 pages)
Week 3 (14 – 18 March) Pages 91 – 128 (39 pages)
Week 4 (21 – 25 March) Pages 129 – 167 (39 pages)
Week 5 (28 March – 1 April) Pages 168 – 212 (44 pages)
Week 6 (4 – 8 April) Pages 213 – 255 (42 pages)
Juggling With MandarinsNovel by V. M. Jones
http://www.radionz.co.nz/collections/not-for-children/juggling-with-mandarins
A novel about growing up. It asserts the importance of living life on your own terms, and of competing for enjoyment rather than reward. It explores the complex love-hate relationship between a father and son.
JUGGLING WITH MANDARINS BY V M JONES
Told by Matt Whelan.Juggling with Mandarins by V (Vicky) M Jones (2003) tells the story of a pivotal time in the life of a young boy. 13 year old Pip feels he is being called on to fulfill sporting ambitions his father can no longer achieve. Pip’s older brother Nick takes after his macho dad while Pip is more like his more sensitive mother and his baby sister Madeline. He hates being shouted at from the soccer sidelines by his dad and feels he can never live up to his expectations. His dad has a big chip on his shoulder since an accident took him away from his work as a fireman and the subsequent failings of his milk delivery business.
Pip is also struggling with his changing feelings for Katie, the girl next door. As well as learning to juggle mandarins, he learns how to juggle new feelings and relationships, and discovers he has a real talent for indoor rock climbing. In the end his father watches him climb and recognizes his son’s courage, not just in climbing.
Engineer: Ian Gordon; Producer: Prue Langbein 2009
Juggling with Mandarins - Part 1
Thirteen-year-old Pip wishes his father wasn't so obsessed about always having to win.Juggling with Mandarins - Part 2
Pip's favourite teacher suggests the class all learn to juggle. His success-driven father is concerned 18-month-old Madeline hasn't started to walk yet.Juggling with Mandarins - Part 3
Pip finds his way into the new Igloo Sports stadium, discovers the climbing room and feels compelled to climb.Juggling with Mandarins - Part 4
Pip finds that Katie is going out with his rival Jordan Archer. But he's also discovered he has a real talent for climbing.Juggling with Mandarins - Part 5
Pip is picked for the transition climbing class, but hasn't told his parents or his older brother Nick.Juggling with Mandarins - Part 6
Katie tells Pip she could never have feelings for him like the ones she has for Jordan. Pip still hasn't told his family about his climbing.Juggling with Mandarins - Part 7
Pip finally confronts his overbearing father but neither of them will back down.Juggling with Mandarins - Part 8
Pip perfects juggling three mandarins and encourages his baby sister never to be scared to fall. He also decides to enter the Climbing Championships.Juggling with Mandarins - Part 9
Pip falls in the first climb of the competition but gets a second chance. And he gets a chance to ask his father to come and watch him in the final.Juggling with Mandarins - Part 10
Despite his damaged ankle, Pip wins the climbing Super Final, watched by his Dad. They make peace. Back home, little Maddy walks for the first time.